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He was a Marine, police officer, baseball coach, father, husband and son.

But he fell victim to a renegade former police officer in a story that gained national if not international attention.

And now Riverside police officer Michael Crain has been laid to rest.

The 34 year old was buried at Riverside National Cemetery as a veteran who served two tours in Kuwait, earning various commendations and medals.

But all that military and police training was no match for what happened to him last Thursday. Investigators say in a surprise attack, an ambush, fugitive Christopher Dorner opened fire on Crain and another officer when they were stopped at a red light, in a patrol car.

Crain did not survive his injuries.

According to reports, possibly as many as eight thousand of his comrades in uniform, from police agencies across Southern California and as far away as Phoenix, Arizona, converged in Riverside to pay their respects and say goodbye.

Then came time to lift the flag from his casket and fold it in that very symbolic triangular fashion.

Then the Riverside police chief handed the banner of patriotism and service to Crain’s wife, Regina.

The family did not speak, but offered these words in written form: “A life too short, a love so great, feelings too deep for words.”

Crain leaves a wife and 2 children: a 10 year old son and 4 year old daughter.